Forget any dreams from the preseason about being in the national conversation as a possible contender.

Forget about how 2025 could be a launching pad for where North Carolina could go with Bill Belichick — with eight Super Bowl rings total and six as a head coach with the Patriots — leading it.

Instead, Belichick’s first season with the Tar Heels won’t even lead to bowl eligibility, with UNC securing a losing record after falling, 32-25, to rival Duke on Saturday.

Bill Belichick reacts after North Carolina’s 32-25 loss to rival Duke on Nov. 22, 2025. AP

Though a scenario still exists where North Carolina could sneak into a bowl game at 5-7 depending on the number of 6-6 teams, that remains unlikely, and it also still would require a win next week in their finale against North Carolina

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